Are Supercross tracks becoming 'too dangerous?' - Motocross Action Magazine

#supercross #motocross #dirtbikes
Are modern day Supercross tracks becoming too dangerous? Is there something we can do to create even better racing and while limiting the chances for big crashes? Can we lessen the amount of injuries? Jett Lawrence has been crowned the 250 East Coast Champion one race early and he did it in convincing fashion, winning four of eight races so far and finishing on the podium all eight times. However, the rest of the field was supposed to be stacked with competition, but it quickly was depleted as riders were injured. In episode 70 of our This Week in MXA video series, MXA's Josh Mosiman asks the question and provides arguments for both sides of the spectrum.

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[spiderdavis]

I have thought for several years that S X racing is dangerous.I admit that I like M X a lot more money in S X. Good to hear Tony and hopefully Jeffrey Herlings are giving U S motocross series a try.

[K-Dog-srij]

100% Yes the tracks are too dangerous too many riders getting hurt almost every weekend .. Someone needs to tame the tracks down .

[jinoziniosti]

You're cramming way to much track, power and airtime into a stadium
and riders get hurt. It's surprising more riders dont get landed on..

[Butchersniper]

Let's ask all the injured, paralyzed, and broken riders how they feel about those tracks. Asking a spectator means nothing.

[tylersvensson]

I believe the tracks are finally getting caught up to the bikes, what I mean is you hear Anderson and eli talking about how they are actually getting scared to hit the 120ft jump and how it’s way to big and it shouldn’t be just for the entertainment. But yet it was the same thing back in the 90s and 2000s where the track was way to gnarly and it was a risk riding it because it leaves you with 3 options, getting hurt, bike braking or slow lap time and that’s why it was so fun to watch and it was in a time where men were men so it was fine back then because it seemed normally for gnarly but now since the bikes have gained another 20 horsepower they have got comfortable with rolling into everything in 2-3 gear and seat bouncing. 20 years ago if you weren’t perfect with everything you weren’t gonna hit that 80 ft triple. It’s rather they de tune the bikes in cc or they add the 2 strokes back. Look at stank dog and aj they aren’t even hitting the whoops especially with stank on a modern day 2 stroke that’s pushing 44hp at least so that’s definitely says the tracks are getting bigger and more dangerous but it’s more dangerous when you have factory teams making 65 horsepower 450. This is where the skill gap is so it comes down to the bikes changing or the track changing.

[jeankalaf]

The tracks only follow the evolution of the bikes. The problem is the power of current bikes. Look at the time of the two strokes. They were much less powerful, required more technique and the fun was doubled. Accidents happened and they were there. But, in general, they were always of lesser severity. Today, with the evolution of four stroke engines and the enormous power available, when there is an accident, they are much more serious. With disastrous consequences for pilots.

[mxbadboy]

Absolutely they are too dangerous. Is it a stunt show or a race?

[sevtowe]

The tracks are definitely to dangerous. Look at how many riders have been injured this year. Most of the non factory riders are basically rolling roadblocks making things even more dangerous. Tamer tracks will make for much better racing.

[ryancuda]

yeap, i was checking out the injured list this sx season and its pretty long. bikes are fast and dialed suspension is like a rock, whoops are insane and the jumps are huge and the varibles are intense. sx is just crazy and anyone that races is crazy and are hands down the most extreme athletes. mx is endurance and also insane, i think the riders need to be paid more tbh

[urbanadventurer]

There have definitely been way too many serious crashes and injuries this year, but it seems like some of it is how people are riding or is that just me? I think the track has caused some issues, but some of the errors and choices riders have committed have been weird like running into other riders mid jump in the air, etc.

[muzzmatrix]

See if Mark Barnett will answer this question.

[KarmaWolf]

Not only are the tracks much different but the power of the bikes adds to the situation. It is a conundrum that racing in all forms combats. How does F1 and Nascar and other racing series cut down on the speeds and danger? Maybe restricting power or lowering the displacement of the bikes and having a non attached un biased track review official working strictly on the premise of rider safety would help. Take into account rider complaints and it could be managed but there has to first be a DESIRE to manage such things. As a fan I enjoyed the original days of Supercross MORE than modern racing because it was arguably fun to watch. I mean watch some of the really old supercross races they did not HAVE to have 110 foot triples to have good racing. But I think the racers should have a bulk of the input because they are the ones putting their lives on the line.

[DaveyHo]

Well.... Lookie thar... Reduced horsepower @ 5820 feet & NO horrendous Not sure 10.5~1 CR would reduce HP a 'proper' amount, but that's about what legacy XRs were, & they lasted about forever without tossing the rod thru the crankcase....like NEVER did I see ONE blown up XR working the Honda dealership svc dept since 1976.... Worn out, ya, but never blown up, they make less RPM as the rings & piston wear....

[aussiemotofilms]

I believe 450s are way to powerful maybe a 400 or a 350 cc cap

[kennyhernandezfilms]

Landing pads need to be set up better on the big gaps if you want to see better racing without to much carnage. For modern bikes, The tracks in general are great -a perfect balance of risk and reward. Lets go 🤘

[bigram]

It's rediculous how dangerous the SX tracks are. It's not very smart to have all your money making assets injured constantly. That's what is going on in SX.

[motomikebuilder]

In the 90's at Club Moto they had real long do or die tripples. A gnarly 90 foot step up got me once on a miss shift to 3rd. Now the tracks have mostly table tops to keep riders from getting too injured.

[PorscheFan]

You listed the riders who are out of the 250 east series because of injury. The list of injured in the 250 west series is just as long. Of course the tracks are too dangerous.

[denniswilder]

They need to make the tracks wider they need to do better track prep to get rid of the ruts and get rid of the tuff blocks.

[andy]

Yeah been a few crashes this year in supercross Josh there just need to smooth out the tracks bit more not to meny ruts fantastic coverage thanks👍💙